Mayor Kapszukiewicz Announces Future Tenants of Westgate Village North

The City of Toledo joined development partner Abbell Associates to celebrate the groundbreaking of Westgate Village North, a transformative $60 million redevelopment of the former Sears property that will further establish West Toledo as Northwest Ohio's premier retail destination.

The ceremony brought together City officials, project partners, and community leaders to mark the start of construction and highlight a new phase of investment in the Westgate area. During the event, officials announced that Trader Joe's will serve as an anchor tenant in the development, joining a growing roster of nationally recognized retailers and restaurants that are new to the market.

"This development represents exactly the kind of investment we have been working to attract, one that creates new opportunities for residents, strengthens our retail base, and generates momentum for continued neighborhood reinvestment," Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said.

Led by Abbell Associates, the development will transform the site into a modern retail destination designed to attract visitors from across the region while serving surrounding neighborhoods. Confirmed tenants include Dick's House of Sport, Golf Galaxy, Nordstrom Rack, Sierra, Trader Joe's, Mission BBQ, and Smoothie King. City officials said the project is the result of years of planning, coordination, and public-private partnership.

"This new development at Westgate shows that patience pays off. We took our time to get this project right and the result is a new retail offering the entire region will be drawn to. That's good for District 5, and it's good for all of Toledo," Sam Melden, Toledo City Council member, said. "This has been a priority for residents, and it is encouraging to see it move forward," Council Member Sam Melden said.

"Our organization has been doing business on the corner of Central Ave and Secor Rd for the past 70 years. Twenty years ago, this month, we embarked on a complete re-envisioning of what this intersection could provide in goods and services to this community," Liz Holland, CEO of Abbell Associates, said. "Today is a continuation of that re-envisioning. We are so excited to be able to continue that effort and look forward to continued commercial vibrancy for the next 70 years."

Brandon Sehlhorst, chief growth officer for the City of Toledo, highlighted the City's ongoing efforts to attract quality development and support revitalization along key commercial corridors.

"For decades, Westgate has been one of the Toledo region's most important commercial districts. This investment not only redevelops a long-vacant site but also strengthens the entire corridor by attracting new visitors, generating additional economic activity, and reinforcing West Toledo's position as the premier retail hub of Northwest Ohio," Brandon Sehlhorst, chief growth officer for the City of Toledo, said.

Following the remarks, City leaders and project partners participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction.

In addition to Westgate Village North, Abbell Associates is partnering with The Nikki Group on the approximately $30 million redevelopment of the adjacent former Elder-Beerman property. Retail tenants for that development are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Together, these investments represent more than $90 million in new development and signal a new era for the Westgate district as a regional destination.